CAMRA backing return of traditional pub games

The return of traditional pub games would encourage more young adults to visit pubs at a time when 25 pubs across Britain are closing every week, according to new research by The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The independently commissioned research highlighted that the numbers of regular pub-going (visiting pubs once a week or more) young adults aged 18-24 years old has been on the decline over the last five years, seeing figures drop from 36% in 2006 to 25% in 2011.

CAMRA issue their findings as the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF) kicks off at Earls Court today (2 August).

It also shows how 49% of adults aged 18-24 who had heard of a traditional pub game suggest they would 'very likely' or 'quite likely' visit pubs more often if free traditional pub games were made available.

Colin Valentine, CAMRA national chairman, said: "Our new research shows there is a worrying trend in younger adults visiting pubs less often. The pub industry needs to be working together on a plan to attract these groups back into pubs. Drinking in pubs gets young adults off the streets, and providing safe environments for people to enjoy alcohol is good for society."

Current World Darts Champion Adrian Lewis and 1983 winner Keith Deller have thrown their support behind the campaign.

Lewis said: "I urge everyone to get behind CAMRA's campaign to help keep our traditional games alive in the Great British pub.

"I started off playing darts with my family in my local pub in Stoke on Trent and through this met a lot of friends playing in the pub team. This has helped me fulfill my dream to become World Champion."

The Great British Beer Festival will host a large number of traditional pub games for pub-goers and licensees to try including Long Alley Skittles, Roll the Barrel, Shuffle Board, Shut the Box, Northamptonshire Skittles and Table Skittles.

For more details visit www.gbbf.org.uk​.